10 Crazy Wrestling Partnerships That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)

8. Shingo Takagi & Los Ingobernables De Japon

Broserweights Matt Riddle Pete Dunne
www.njpw1972.com

Los Ingobernables de Japon brought Shingo Takagi to New Japan as their surprise Mr. X at King of Pro Wrestling 2018. This came months after the long-time Dragon Gate powerhouse had secured his release from that promotion, embarking on an energized run through the Japanese indies in the aftermath, leading to eagle-eyed puro fans calling the reveal weeks before it happened.

Throwing 'The Dragon' in LIJ looked an odd choice. Takagi shared a similar rebellious spirit to the popular group but after years as a bullish heel leader in Dragon Gate, he'd become a follower in the Tetsuya Naito-led faction. There were personality clashes, too. If Los Ingobernables were there cool renegades who skipped class to smoke weed and drink cheap booze, Takagi was the schoolyard bully barging nerds into lockers and stealing their girlfriends. It didn't look like it could work.

But it did. Spectacularly.

Shingo has flourished in LIJ, having slotted into their brotherhood with no visible teething pains. There'll always be suggestive tension with Naito, sure, and Takagi will turn on him someday, but for now, this jock feels like he belongs with his aloof stablemates.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.